What is hazing and is it permitted at Ball State?

Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. All national fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education have banned hazing. Ball State University and the Greek councils rigorously enforce hazing policies and organizations that violate them are subject to serious and immediate sanctions.

It is understandable that you might be concerned if you hear that some of the things that go on during initiation are to be kept secret. Initiation into a fraternity or sorority is an exciting, yet serious, ceremony that conveys the purposes and special values of the respective fraternity or sorority. These ceremonies often are referred to as rituals. Greek chapters pride themselves on the rituals that their chapters were founded upon. These rituals are full of the traditions and values that make the chapters unique. However, these rituals should not be confused with hazing, and other inappropriate activities. The rituals of Greek organizations have nothing to do with hazing; they are not scary, shameful or degrading. Fraternity and sorority initiation ceremonies are, in most cases, single day events.

If you are not permitted to talk to friends or family for extended periods of time, hazing may be an issue, or if you suspect hazing is happening in a Greek fraternity or sorority at Ball State, you should contact the Office of Student Life at 765-285-2621. You can also call l-888-NOT-HAZE, or 1-888-668-4293, an antihazing hotline established by fraternities or sororities that anyone can use to report incidents of hazing anonymously.